Climate Change & Waste: Reduce Waste That Matters from Udemy

This course addresses our modern dilemma: resources or waste?

91% of all primary resources used globally are wasted. True, the circular economy – as demonstrated on examples in the course – offers hope...

But there is too much focus on recycling and single-use plastics – both important, but not the most important variables in the waste-reduction equation.

Learn the priorities of waste management, not “nice-to-haves”.

Reduce waste that matters, especially waste that contributes to climate change.

Follow the reduce – reuse – recycle hierarchy, in that order.

See how you can implement models, e.g. Triple Bottom Line and the SDGs, in your organization or home in a way that saves money, creates local jobs and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Get a resource that’ll help you get others on board with your sustainable waste management practices. Get other resources that’ll help you reduce waste-organics and generate your own free and organic liquid fertilizer, whether you are in a house, apartment, or an office.

Whether you are an individual who wants to reduce your own waste at home or with your family, or if you’re are responsible for waste management at work – either directly, e.g. cleaners, facilities managers, small business owners, or indirectly, as a teacher, operations manager, cook or nurse … whether you want to reduce pollution, costs, material and resource use, or improve efficiency, become sustainable, and improve your environmental footprint through better waste mgmt - this course is for you.

What's inside

Syllabus

Distinguish between waste and resource; understand three conceptual frameworks; use the waste hierarchy

Introduction & Couse outline

Waste or Resource? 3 Conceptual frameworks

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Emphasizes the importance of reducing waste that contributes to climate change, which aligns with global sustainability goals

Explores the reduce-reuse-recycle hierarchy, providing a foundational understanding of waste management principles

Examines the circular economy and its application, offering practical examples for implementation in various settings

Focuses on reducing organic waste, which is often overlooked but significantly contributes to methane emissions

Teaches strategies for reducing food waste, which can lead to cost savings and environmental benefits

Requires learners to understand the importance of behavioral change in order to transition from waste management to waste reduction

Reviews summary

Reducing waste for climate action

According to learners, this course provides an incredibly insightful look at reducing waste that matters, particularly highlighting the significant climate impact of organic waste and methane emissions. Students appreciated the clear and concise lectures and found the practical tips for implementation, especially for food waste reduction at home, to be highly valuable and easy to apply immediately. While a couple of reviewers noted it might be a bit basic if you have prior knowledge or lack depth for large-scale organizational implementation, the course is generally seen as very relevant and offers a good overview of waste management priorities linked to climate action.

Offers clear content and actionable tips

"The practical tips for reducing food waste at home were easy to follow and implement."

"The instructor explained complex topics clearly."

"I'm already applying the food waste reduction strategies."

"The lectures were clear and concise."

"I appreciated the practical advice for reducing waste that matters."

Highlights climate impact of organic waste

"I learned so much about the real impact of different types of waste, especially organics, and how they contribute to climate change."

"It really clarified which waste types matter most for climate change (organics!)."

"Fantastic course that cuts through the noise about recycling and single-use plastics to focus on the real culprits, especially organic waste."

May be basic for those with prior knowledge

"Some parts felt a little basic if you already have some knowledge, but the specific focus on organics and methane was valuable."

"Content is okay, covers the basics."

"If you're already familiar with the fundamentals, some sections might serve more as a review."

May lack depth for large-scale business use

"Expected a bit more depth on implementing circular economy models in larger organizations."

"Felt more geared towards individuals than businesses."

"I was hoping for more detail on applying these concepts in a large company setting rather than just personally."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Climate Change & Waste: Reduce Waste That Matters with these activities:

Review Basic Chemistry Concepts

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Reinforce your understanding of the chemical processes involved in waste decomposition and methane production, which are crucial for understanding the impact of organic waste on climate change.

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Review the basics of chemical reactions and decomposition.
Study the chemical formula and properties of methane.
Understand the greenhouse effect and how methane contributes to it.

Read 'Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things'

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Explore the principles of circular economy and sustainable design to better understand how to minimize waste from the outset.

View Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make... on Amazon

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Read the book 'Cradle to Cradle'.
Take notes on the key concepts and examples.
Reflect on how these principles can be applied to waste management.

Conduct a Personal Waste Audit

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Analyze your own waste generation habits to identify areas for improvement and apply the waste reduction strategies learned in the course.

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Collect all waste generated over a week.
Categorize the waste into different types (e.g., food, plastic, paper).
Analyze the data to identify the largest sources of waste.
Develop a plan to reduce waste in those areas.

Four other activities

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Create a Presentation on Food Waste Reduction

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Synthesize the information learned about food waste and methane emissions to create a compelling presentation that can be used to educate others.

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Research the impact of food waste on climate change.
Develop a presentation outline.
Create visually appealing slides with key data and examples.
Practice delivering the presentation.

Volunteer at a Local Composting Facility

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Gain hands-on experience with composting and learn about the process of turning organic waste into a valuable resource.

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Research local composting facilities.
Contact the facility to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Participate in composting activities.
Reflect on the experience and its connection to the course.

Read 'Waste: Uncovering the Global Food Scandal'

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Deepen your understanding of the global food waste crisis and its impact on climate change.

View Waste: Uncovering the Global Food Scandal on Amazon

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Read the book 'Waste: Uncovering the Global Food Scandal'.
Take notes on the key statistics and examples.
Consider how the information relates to the course content.

Design a Waste Reduction Plan for Your Workplace/Home

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Apply the principles of waste management and behavioral change to create a practical plan for reducing waste in a specific setting.

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Assess the current waste generation practices.
Identify areas for improvement based on course principles.
Develop specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals.
Outline strategies for achieving those goals.
Create a plan for monitoring and evaluating progress.

Career center

Learners who complete Climate Change & Waste: Reduce Waste That Matters will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Waste Management Coordinator

A Waste Management Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and improving waste management practices within an organization or community. This course equips them with the knowledge to prioritize waste reduction strategies that have the most significant impact. Rather than focusing solely on recycling, a coordinator understands the importance of reducing and reusing to minimize waste generation. This course helps the coordinator to promote the reduce, reuse, recycle hierarchy, and implement strategies to reduce specific waste streams like food waste and single-use items. Moreover, the course provides resources to get others on board with sustainable waste management practices. This is critical for a waste management coordinator to foster a culture of waste reduction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Waste Management Coordinator

Sustainability Coordinator

Sustainability Coordinators lead and implement sustainability initiatives within an organization. This course is highly applicable because it provides a comprehensive understanding of waste management priorities and the connection to climate change. This course will help a Sustainability Coordinator to implement models, such as the Triple Bottom Line and the SDGs, in their organization. It provides a solid foundation for implementing effective waste reduction programs that align with broader sustainability goals. The course gives coordinators the tools to save money, create local jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A sustainability coordinator is able to promote sustainable practices.

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Facilities Manager

Facilities Managers oversee the operations and maintenance of buildings and grounds, including waste management. This course provides essential knowledge for implementing sustainable waste management practices within a facility. A facilities manager implements models in their organization that saves money, creates jobs, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The course's focus on reducing specific waste streams, such as food waste and single-use items, helps facilities managers identify key areas for improvement. In addition, the course equips them with strategies to engage building occupants in waste reduction efforts. A facilities manager can transform waste management practices for cost savings and environmental advantages. This course empowers facilities managers to optimize waste management for environmental benefits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Facilities Manager

Sustainability Consultant

A Sustainability Consultant advises organizations on how to operate in a more environmentally responsible manner, and this course is directly applicable to this role. Consultants assess current waste management practices, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to reduce waste and its environmental impact as a key element of sustainability. Learning the priorities of waste management and understanding frameworks such as the Triple Bottom Line and the SDGs, as taught in this course, provides a consultant with valuable knowledge to recommend cost-saving, job-creating, and emission-reducing solutions. This course helps build a foundation for a sustainability consultant to guide companies in making informed decisions about waste that minimizes environmental footprint and maximizes resource efficiency.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers are responsible for overseeing the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization's operations, often encompassing waste management processes. This course gives operations managers the insights needed to identify and implement waste reduction strategies that improve operational efficiency, save money, improve resource use, and reduce environmental impact. The course's exploration of waste reduction priorities, circular economy principles, and specific waste streams empowers operations managers to make informed decisions to optimize waste management practices. An operations manager can learn to reduce waste-organics and generate your own free and organic liquid fertilizer, whether you are in a house, apartment, or an office. Because this course provides operations managers with the tools that they need to improve efficiency.

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Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility Managers develop and implement strategies to ensure a company operates in an ethical and sustainable manner; this often includes waste reduction initiatives. This course is highly relevant, as it provides CSR managers with a clear understanding of waste management priorities and the connection between waste reduction and climate change. A CSR manager can use the information in this course to meet sustainability goals by reducing waste. This enhances a company's reputation and stakeholder value. A CSR manager who has taken this course may create local jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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Environmental Educator

Environmental Educators teach individuals and communities about environmental issues and sustainable practices. This course empowers educators to communicate the importance of effective waste management and its connection to climate change. The course's emphasis on reducing 'waste that matters' and its exploration of conceptual frameworks allows educators to explain complex issues in an accessible way. The course provides educators with valuable resources and strategies to promote behavioral changes for waste reduction. The course teaches techniques to get others on board with waste reduction strategies. An environmental educator can help instill eco-conscious habits in others.

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Environmental Compliance Officer

Environmental Compliance Officers ensure that an organization adheres to environmental regulations and standards. This course provides valuable insights into waste management priorities and best practices, enabling compliance officers to develop and implement effective waste management programs that align with environmental regulations. Environmental compliance officers use the information to reduce pollution, costs, material and resource use, or improve efficiency, become sustainable, and improve environmental footprint through better waste management. An environmental compliance officer uses these tools to help organizations meet waste management and environmental requirements. This ensures compliance and reduces environmental risk.

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Environmental Project Manager

Environmental Project Managers oversee projects aimed at improving environmental outcomes, for example, the reduction of greenhouse gas emmissions. This course is useful to an environmental project manager because it provides the knowledge needed to manage waste reduction projects effectively. This course will teach them to follow the reduce reuse recycle hierarchy. The course's coverage of specific waste streams and frameworks makes them effective decision makers. An environmental project manager can plan and implement environmental projects. This course helps to increase the overall effectiveness of environmental projects.

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Environmental Health and Safety Specialist

An Environmental Health and Safety Specialist is responsible for protecting the health and safety of employees and the environment. This course is directly relevant because it provides the knowledge and skills needed to implement effective waste management practices that minimize environmental hazards and promote workplace safety. An environmental health and safety specialist can use the information in this course to improve environmental footprint as a key element of improving health and safety. The course's coverage of specific waste streams, such as organics, gives them valuable insights to mitigate potential risks. This course is useful in ensuring a safe and sustainable work environment.

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Supply Chain Analyst

Supply Chain Analysts analyze and optimize the flow of goods and materials within a supply chain. This course enhances their ability to identify waste and inefficiencies within the supply chain related to resource use and disposal. A supply chain analyst can use the principles of the circular economy to make decisions about sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution. A supply chain analyst can use knowledge from this course to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency. This course may be useful in evaluating the environmental impacts of different supply chain choices.

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Gardener

A Gardener is focused on cultivating plants, and this course is useful because it teaches how to generate your own free and organic liquid fertilizer. Follow the reduce reuse recycle hierarchy, in that order. The course helps an individual get others on board with their sustainable waste management practices. They can reduce waste-organics and generate your own free. Whether you are an individual who wants to reduce your own waste at home or with your family, this course is useful. This course will help a gardener with the knowledge needed to reduce waste.

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Recycling Program Manager

Recycling Program Managers develop and implement recycling programs. While recycling is important, this course emphasizes that reduction and reuse are more impactful. A recycling program manager will be able to manage waste more effectively and increase the reach and effectiveness of a recycling program. The course will help the Recycling Program Manager implement models, such as the Triple Bottom Line and the SDGs, in their organization. This course helps those who want to reduce pollution, costs, material and resource use, or improve efficiency, become sustainable, and improve their environmental footprint through better waste management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Recycling Program Manager

Restaurant Manager

Restaurant Managers oversee all aspects of a restaurant's operations, and this course helps them to reduce waste. This course can improve the operations of a restaurant by improving a business's effeciency. The course's coverage of specific waste streams, such as organics, gives them valuable insights to mitigate potential risks. Learning the priorities of waste management and understanding frameworks such as the Triple Bottom Line and the SDGs, as taught in this course, provides a consultant with valuable knowledge to recommend cost-saving solutions.

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Preschool Teacher

Preschool Teachers teach children about the world around them, and can help children understand the importance of reducing waste. This course can help them to become a better teacher by improving their understanding of waste. A preschool teacher can role model how to reduce food waste. Learning the priorities of waste management and understanding frameworks such as the Triple Bottom Line and the SDGs, as taught in this course, provides a consultant with valuable knowledge to recommend cost-saving solutions.

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Climate Change & Waste

Reduce Waste That Matters

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Reducing waste for climate action

Activities

Career center

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